Wild Arms 3 isn't exactly a must have RPG, but it's certainly a nice change from the usual entries the genre normally has thrust upon it.
While most RPGs usually deal with either futuristic themes, medieval themes, or both, WA3 takes place in an alternate version of the old west, and certainly has a style all its own, from the way the story is presented, down to the graphical presentation, which is just short of anime perfect. Like most RPGs, this one starts out small, turns out big: an encounter on a train brings a band of unlikely adventurers together, the rest is for you to find out. Here's a hint, though: they didn't meet in the dinner car over tea and crumpets.
In fact, the way the story is presented, especially at the start, is very immersing: you learn a bit about each character by seeing where they were before the encounter, and how they got there, all the while learning how to play. It's a very effective technique, and it should be used more often.
The game engine is kind of watered down when compared to games like FFX, but manages to introduce enough new ideas to keep from being bland. Perhaps among the best of these new mechanics is the ability to avoid a limited number of battles by hitting O before the enemy approaches. When you fight battles, your ability to dodge battles is regained, but stronger enemies take more points to avoid. It's a simple system, but a really good one to use in a pinch, or to use when you don't feel like fighting a ton of random encounters.
When you do fight enemies, the battles can be simplistic, but the fact that you are using guns really does change things up a bit. You need to reload your gun by "guarding" during some turns, and you really can never run out of FP (the equivalent of MP), because you gain it by attacking enemies in battle. It's different from the rest, but ultimately a bit more simplistic than most.
While not a game that you absolutely must play, Wild Arms 3 does manage to be a good bit of fun that also does what many RPGs can't or are unwilling to do: break away from traditional storylines and settings. Those looking for something different in the form of a long, engrossing quest should give this one consideration.
-George
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